Snowbird bicycle climb
The 29th running of the Snowbird Bicycle Hill Climb, which travels 10 miles and 3,500 vertical feet up Little Cottonwood Canyon, is Saturday. Cyclists looking for an even greater challenge will find it with the new Ultra-Widowmaker, a mountain-bike race that begins at the finish line of the Bicycle Hill Climb and goes to the top of Hidden Peak. The combined race spans 15 miles and 6,500 vertical feet. Ultra-Widowmaker participants must have completed the Bicycle Hill Climb before riding to Hidden Peak. Registration and the start for both races are at the Park 'n' Ride lot at 9400 South and 2000 East. Registration forms are available at most local bike shops or by calling Snowbird Special Events at 801-933-2110. The entry cost is $40; the Ultra-Widowmaker is $50. An awards ceremony will begin at about 10:30 a.m. on the Snowbird Center Plaza Deck. More info: www.snowbird.com.
Fee-hikes discussion
Utah State Parks and Recreation board members will meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday to consider raising fees for day use, camping, golf and other programs. Under the proposal, day use increases from $1 to $3; camping fee increases from $1 to $5; reduced fees for pedestrians and cyclists at selected locations; and a $5 increase for the Utah State Parks Annual Pass. The meeting will be at the Department of Natural Resources, 1594 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City. Utah State Parks will seek public comment after the board consideration.
Deer Creek stays open
Deer Creek State Park campgrounds, day-use areas and boat launch access at Deer Creek Island Resort remain open despite low water levels. Officials had considered closure of the reservoir near Midway but decided otherwise. "Visitors are enjoying the beaches and camping; low water levels won't keep them away and we're open for business," Park Manager Rick Redmon said in a news release. For current conditions at all state parks, visit www.stateparks. utah.gov.
Park City races
The 11th Annual Park City Marathon, along with a new half-marathon, will be Aug. 25 at 6:30 a.m., with registration from 5 to 6 a.m. at the Fieldhouse at Newpark (Kimball Junction, near Park City). The marathon is part of the Utah Grand Slam, and the half-marathon is part of the Triple Trail Challenge. Pre-registration and bag pickup in the Salt Lake Valley will be Aug. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wasatch Running Center, 8946 S. State St., Sandy; and in Park City on Aug. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fieldhouse. Online registration also available. More information: www.pcmarathon .com or info@pcmarathon.com.
Starry-eyed events
Stars and stuff will align in a series of events coming up by the Salt Lake Astronomical Society. A public star party starts Friday at dusk at the Midvale Harmons, 7755 S. 700 East. On Saturday at the Stansbury Park Observatory Complex, the society will hold a swap meet starting at 4 p.m., offering a "chance to unload all of those unused items taking up space around the house." A star party at the complex, featuring the planet Jupiter, will start at dusk. Visit slas.us for a map and more information.
Habitat restoration
Join RiverStone Design Group and Swaner Nature Preserve near Park City for a morning of habitat restoration and other events Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Restoration projects will include planting native rose bushes and a clean-up along East Canyon Creek. Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves, a hat, sunscreen and water. Those interested in volunteering should contact Peter Galopin at 435-615-2797 or peter@riverstone design.com. More information also available at www.swaner naturepreserve.org.
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